few questions

[topher]

I have a few questions that would be great if answered!

To start off I have a 2002 yamaha blaster completely stock. I live in Minnesota where currently it's near -5 F. When I go out to start the blaster it takes me close to over 30 kicks and they all have to be done as quick as possible! It sucks on the feet! Is there anyway to have it start any easier as in the winter? Like a magnetic engine block heater maybe? (which I think would be useless, but maybe warm the block at least)
Second off, ever since I got it this fall, when I'm downshifting from 6th, I can downshift into third but after that it'll stop and I'm stuck in that gear until I let go of the clutch and keep moving it. It's very hard to get into first! The cold weather seemed to have made this problem worse. Should I get a new clutch perhaps? I'm planning on rebuilding it this summer and was going to get one then but if I need to now then I will.

I don't know how to do a compression test but want to learn.
I will get the spark plugs changed and the carb. cleaned in the spring.

Thanks!

 

[militaryblaster]

You can pick up compression testers at autoparts stores and sears hardware for around $30.00

To check compression: First take your gas tank off. Second, remove the spark plug. Third, screw the testernto the plug hole. Fourth, kick it until the guage doesnt move anymore. Compression should be 110-120. If its below 110 you may want to do a top-end rebuild and I think there is a DIY on here for that.

Blasters tend to be a little hard to start in cold weather. -5 is a little extreme

 

[blasterfreek30]

i think the super cold is what is making it impossible to start, it could also be gumming up ur tranny fluid causeing hard shifting

 

[xjma]

The downshifting thing is normal. With the motor off, you can't just upshift into 6th...for the same reason that you can't downshift all the way to first from 6th without letting the clutch out!! The gears need to move relative to each other or else they won't mesh. The 'problem' becomes worse when the tranny fluid is cold and more viscous. It's not anything to worry about.

 

[BrokenBlazer]

Mine is hard to start when its cold to but I would change your plug. You said you needed to change it anyway. A fouled plug will always make it harder to start. I think it would be worth the 3 bucks and the 3 minutes to do it. Any parts store either has it or can get it. Its a NGK BR8ES

 

[militaryblaster]

I found out that my Blaster starts alot quicker and easier if I`m not giving it any gas to start it.

 

[xjma]

I found out that my Blaster starts alot quicker and easier if I`m not giving it any gas to start it.

Yeah, no need to touch the throttle until it's actually running. I just pull the choke out and start kicking. For me, with temps in the low teens (negative wind chill) my quad starts on the second or third kick when it's freezing cold. Once it's warm, one kick does the trick. The key is to let it gradually warm up...the colder it is, the longer it will take! And yeah, a crappy plug isn't going to help your cause at all!! I pick up new plugs for about 1.80 a piece. Always keep a few on hand.

If you're poor, or your parents won't drive you to the store to get a new plug (which is why you should have a few sitting around!!) then take your old one out and get some fine sand paper and strip the gunk off of the electrode. Soak it in some carb cleaner too. Get the electrode and the surrounding metal as clean as you can and see how it works. It's not as good as a new plug, but it usually gets your motor running!!

 

[topher]

Hey thanks guys. I also heard to go up a jet size for every 20F temp. difference so I'll keep that in mind. and won't give it any twist on the throttle when I start it. I bought a new spark plug so I'll change that up over the weekend.

 

[blasterjarred]

for the shiften thing eather adjust ur clutch cable or check the oil level